Gyroscope - Gig Review & Photo Gallery 24th October @ Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA
Gyroscope
Lion Arts Factory
October 24th, 2019
Supports: Fyre Byrd and Glowing
"It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.”
The above quote coined by famed sportscaster Ernie Harwell is possibly a little misleading to read at first, but fear not, the adored Perth post-grunge-hard-rockers Gyroscope are not in fact calling it a day, as far as their fans know. Adored drummer Rob Nassif however has decided to say “hello” to his new chapter in life which will no longer be with Gyroscope. As upsetting as this news appears to be, just remember Erin Harwell’s brilliant advice and the fact that the quartet are in fact also welcoming their next phase with an outstanding exuberance and vigour if this performance was of any indication.
“Everyone at the bar come into the main room now!” - This demand from vocalist Finn Cameron of local act Glowing may have been assertive to the point of threatening, truthfully though it was necessary and flawlessly suiting. A sadly small but growing audience were brought to full attention as this quintet displayed arguably one of the most diverse and superlative variations of alternative rock this writer has ever witnessed for such a young band. Combining the math-rock and pop sensibilities of This Town Needs Guns, the dream-punk of Title Fight, the indie-punk aggression of Fucked Up and sombre-heaviness of Pianos Become The Teeth, it sounds and reads as baffling, but that is why it is so charming and enthralling. Finn Cameron is a man-possessed as a frontman, more similar to Justice Tripp’s (Trapped Under Ice) aggressive style than the general indie “stand and sing but look cool” formula. It is fascinating to watch but also takes a bit too much of the driver’s seat where the other band members should be more forward as their talents become physically hidden. This also draws away from their chemistry; there is no doubting musically this five-piece have a musical bond here that is incredibly strong and sophisticated, but their interaction in a live element is a bit too docile for the power their music showcases. 'Spit Take’ and 'Cloud’ were delightful highlights, however, there is so much more and more to come from Glowing which is the most exciting prospect of all.
The main support for this evening and without doubt a crowd puller of impressive calibre, dirty pop duo Fyre Byrd were here to waste no time in exciting the substantially larger audience; their ignition in all formats was instantaneous. Musically it is hard to actually follow what this Adelaide two-piece try and display, it is an angular oddity that can be gritty, sweet, simple, complex, catchy and confusing. In a way, they create their own world when guitarist/vocalist Samtré and drummer Ms. Breeze collaborate; undeniably it is extremely engaging and anyone who wishes to can join the Fyre Byrd world if they dare. ‘Anywhere I Am Is Home’, ‘Take Me Out’, ‘Put Me In A Dress’ and a cover of Green Day’s ‘Brain Stew’ were very well executed and fetching; for this writer however, it wasn’t quite poetry in motion. Nevertheless, Fyre Byrd’s upward trajectory and unfathomable energy, especially from drummer Breeze who utilised her drum-kit as a weapon and as gymnastics equipment, is a force to be reckoned with.
Over 20 years of performing music, releasing four acclaimed studio albums, ARIA awards, tours to parts of the world never dreamed of, sold out shows, festival appearance, JJJ Hottest 100 appearances, supports of Blink-182, Brand New, Dashboard Confessional, Thursday, Fall Out Boy - the list goes on and it becomes as impressive as it does hard to believe; Gyroscope were here to thank fans and do what they do best, obliterate stages and steal hearts. Thankfully they were more than successful yet again.
The uppercut that is 'Don't Look Now But I Think I'm Sweating Blood’ opened the extravaganza and the Perth four-piece made their intentions very clear, this was now a fire impossible to extinguish and the heart stopping and explosive ‘Doctor Doctor’ was borderline dangerous which clarified this intent, as did new song ‘4YRLV'. ‘Safe Forever’ brought the best from the four-piece and the audience, with a very grungey looking Dan Sanders spending the majority of the song on the crowd instead of the stage. ‘Dream Vs. Scream’ was a sing-along ballad that allowed everyone to catch their breath and actually brought about an intimate and courteous atmosphere to the event - a short-lived experience as ‘Confidence In Confidentiality’ electrified the entire venue as it reliably does and will (hopefully) continue to do so for years to come.
‘Fast Girl’ was not one to inspire, Gyroscope truthfully seem a bit exhausted by it but know its importance all the same as Adelaide relished the song, it became much more upbeat with the insert of Midnight Oil’s ‘Beds Are Burning’ which spiced up the whole experience. 'Baby I'm Gettin’ Better’ felt out-of-place and unnecessary, like Björk performing ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ (which will thankfully NOT happen in the future), don’t misunderstand this, they are both loved songs, but to a degree, not required. The closer was more than the opposite, it was heroic: ’Snakeskin’ felt like the soundtrack to a revolution, perhaps it is.
I have been informed numerous times that losing a band member is similar to losing a part of the family and considering Gyroscope’s career, Rob Nassif departing will not be an easy process for anyone who has been involved with the quartet, including admirers, to endure. However, please remember Erin Harwell's wise words, this is more “hello” than “goodbye" and most importantly, never “take this for granted”.
Gig Review by Will Oakeshott @TeenWolfWill
Photo Gallery by Dani Brown. Insta: @dcb.photo
Please credit Wall of Sound and Dani Brown if you repost photos
Glowing
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Fyre Byrd
Gyroscope
